ZCZC
BSP-22
ITA-FBL-SERIEA-SERIEB-PARMA
Promoted Parma under spotlight for alleged fix attempt
ROME, June 9, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Newly-promoted Parma are under
investigation for an alleged attempt to fix the match that sealed their
incredible rise from financial collapse to Serie A in just three years,
according to reports.
Italian sports daily Gazzetta Dello Sport reported on Saturday that the
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is probing claims that two Parma players
sent text messages to players from Spezia ahead of their clash on the final
day of the Serie B season, in which the Gazzetta claims they asked their
opponents not to try too hard.
A 2-0 win at Spezia on May 18 saw the two-time UEFA Cup winners promoted to
the top division just three years after a financial meltdown led to
relegation from Serie A and rebirth in the semi-professional Serie D, Italian
football’s fourth tier.
Just a year earlier Roberto Donadoni had led Parma to sixth place in Serie
A and a spot in the Europa League but late payment of income tax on salaries
saw them stripped of their place by the Italian Olympic Committee.
The Gazzetta and Corriere Dello Sport write that the investigation into the
match is still in the preliminary phase. Attempts made by AFP to contact the
FIGC were met with no reply.
One of the Parma players alleged to have sent the text messages to his
Spezia counterparts, Fabio Ceravolo, scored the match’s opener after 11
minutes.
Parma’s promotion was sealed when Amato Ciciretti scored a second just
after the hour and Foggia, who like Spezia had nothing to play for, scored a
last-minute equaliser at promotion-chasing Frosinone.
Foggia’s leveller allowed Parma to move level on points with Frosinone and
pip them to second place and their third promotion in as many years thanks to
a better head-to-head record.
Spezia fans reacted furiously to their team’s display after the match,
directing particular anger toward former Italian international and ex-Parma
player Alberto Gilardino, who smashed a penalty for Spezia high and wide with
the hosts still only a goal down.
BSS/AFP/MRI/1633 hrs